As in a football game, the players prepare themselves mentally and physically to be their very best state to win the game.
This coming week for me I have labeled it, "Needle week".
Tuesday begins with arm EMG. An EMG is to check nerve function and damage. Little needles will be placed into my arms to check the nerve function. Then later that day, an IV will be made ready.... to insert contrast material to see the active lesions in my brain and cervical spine.
On Wednesday, the second part of the EMG will be done in my lower extremities.... legs...
Last time the EMG on my legs produced abnormalities due to my spine collapsing.
I just remember the Department of Veterans Affairs on the benefits side saying my back is better... I think they really hate me at this point. Seems like a vengeful action on their part.
As the VHA touts the great healthcare they offer; I am one of many veterans who feel the sting of inadequate care. Paid for by my husband's job and deductions out of his paycheck for a Flex spending account. Many veterans do not have this option and I am incredibly sad for them.
Thursday, another IV to see the lesions developed in my Thoracic Spine.
I sat with my neurologist as she showed me lesions that had developed and were now bright from the damage.
Chronic long term damage from Traumatic Brain Injury the VBA said did not come from my military service. I didn't get treatment for it till 2014...
On Friday is my big game....
I will go in for a right side heart cath.
I spoke with my pulmonologist and I enjoy listening to him and his matter of fact approach.
He said that after the antibiotics, another CT scan would be done. He said we can't rule out cancer, tumor because the pneumonia clouds that... he described my pneumonia as small cell pneumonia.... after the antibiotics next step is a needle biopsy.... for the moment we are sticking with a lung mass..
He said that Constrictive bronchiolitis aka popcorn lung OFTEN mimics Asthma but what separates asthma from Constrictive bronchiolitis is the effects on the heart and pulmonary pressure in the lungs...
He cited that the problems I am having, with symptoms are not matching to asthma... why the right heart cath is needed....
He said the right heart cath will give many answers and provide clarity.
The probe will go into my right leg.... after a needle is placed to numb the area and a small cut made.. contrast will be inserted to see my arteries, and heart functions.
Some risk due to the Atrial fibrillation (that VA Cardiology said that I didn't have).... I am however confident in my doctors ability to perform this. It is invasive but we are at that point now.
Most people are incredibly silent.... they are watching as I have been told... I am told they don't know how to respond to me or the fact that I am going threw this earlier than I should.
Silence from the Whitehouse, VA Central Office.....
I guess that saying, "Don't soldier it alone" doesn't apply to me.....
1 week of hell.... coming right up.....
Christina
